TV’s Ram has called for an OTT “Lakshman rekha” as he feels the content on offer on such platforms is “very obscene” and cannot be “watched while sitting with family”.

Union information and broadcasting minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, in response to a query from BJP MP Arun Govil on laws to check obscenity on over-the-top (OTT) streaming platforms and social media, told the Lok Sabha on Wednesday that a consensus was needed on making the laws more stringent.

In a written reply, Vaishnaw also listed the action taken against OTT platforms regarding this. Govil, known for playing Lord Ram in the Ramayan TV series in the late 80s, said: “Whatever is being shown on OTT platforms is very obscene, we cannot watch it while sitting with family. Our moral values have deteriorated because of it. Will the minister of information and broadcasting be pleased to state what the existing mechanism is to prevent illegal broadcasting of pornographic and sex-related content through social media platforms?”

He added: “Keeping in mind the fact that the said laws are not very effective in preventing misuse of these platforms, does the government propose to make the existing laws more stringent?”

Vaishnaw replied that because of the absence of an editorial check on social media, “many types of vulgar content etcetera also come.”

He added: “Honourable Speaker, the existing laws definitely need to be made more stringent. I would request that a consensus be formed on this.”

Govil prodded: “Sir, considering the role of foreign platforms and OTT platforms in the dissemination of such objectionable content, is the government considering bringing a new policy to make such platforms accountable under the laws of India and to control their operations?... Due to this our social structure, our Hindu culture, our Indian culture, has been greatly harmed.”

Vaishnaw replied: “These social media platforms have originated from many countries, there is a huge difference between their culture and the culture of our country…. This type of discussion is happening in almost every country of the world today, so I request that our parliamentary standing committee should also take up this issue.”

He added: “There should be consensus in society on this issue and more stringent laws should be made on this.”

Facing allegations of overreach and the risk of an impractical licence raj on electronic media, the Centre backtracked on a draft broadcast bill earlier this year.

In a written reply to Govil, Vaishnaw pointed out that in March, 18 OTT platforms had been blocked “for publishing obscene and vulgar content….”

Social media users shared risque posters of the Bengali film Buk Bhara Bhalobasha, starring Indrani Haldar and Govil, to lampoon the MP. The film was released in 2000 and distributed in Hindi as well with the title Paagal Deewane.